Author: Gugu Lourie

A historic climb proves electric vehicles can master the world’s toughest terrain. This landmark ascent was powered entirely by a solar-powered charger, setting a new standard for sustainable adventure. In a landmark moment for electric mobility, the all-electric Volvo EX30 Cross Country has become the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to conquer South Africa’s legendary and brutal Sani Pass. This feat, achieved 56 years after the first Volvo completed the climb, shatters the myth that EVs lack the capability for extreme, rugged adventure. The milestone is amplified by the use of South Africa’s highest solar-powered EV charger, installed by CHARGE at…

In a major strategic move to dominate the Zambian financial sector, FirstRand has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the wealth and retail banking business of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia PLC. This landmark deal is a direct execution of FirstRand’s plan to aggressively scale its broader Africa portfolio. The acquisition will see FNB Zambia, which launched as a greenfield operation 16 years ago, absorb a massive ZMW 5.2bn in customer deposits, ZMW 1.6bn in loans, and a formidable ZMW 3.8bn in wealth assets under management. The transaction also includes a transfer of physical assets—from ATMs to branch properties—and key employees.…

Airtel Africa has reported robust financial results for the half year ended 30 September 2025, with its mobile money service, Airtel Money, emerging as an engine of growth and customer acquisition. The division’s annualised transaction value surged past $193 billion as its customer base accelerated towards the 50 million mark. The telecom and fintech group saw constant currency revenue growth of 24.5%, reaching $2,9  billion. This performance was significantly bolstered by Airtel Money, which delivered a 30.2% constant currency revenue increase. The service is now a core pillar of the company’s strategy, driving digital adoption and deepening financial inclusion across…

Balwin Properties has demonstrated the tangible financial benefits of its green building strategy, with its dedicated sustainable utilities arm, Balwin Green Living, delivering over R4.6 million in direct savings to homeowners through its solar energy installations. The initiative, which provides metering and sustainable utility solutions to body corporates, is a core component of Balwin’s commitment to environmentally conscious development. The JSE-listed company announced that the solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays deployed across its developments have generated 1.7 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable energy in the recent interim period. This significant energy production directly translates to lower electricity costs for residents, even while…

In a strategic move to solidify its high-growth technology segment, Balwin Properties has announced a major restructuring of its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) business, Balwin Information and Communication Technology Proprietary Limited (Balwin ICT). Effective 1 March 2025, Balwin Annuity has entered into a subscription agreement that increases the shareholding of its non-controlling interest partner to 50%, valuing the transaction at R73.8 million. Crucially, Balwin Annuity will retain operational control of the subsidiary, ensuring strategic alignment with the wider group’s objectives while deepening the commercial partnership. The deal emphasises the immense value Balwin places on its fibre assets, which are a cornerstone of…

Telkom Group has been named the 2025 South African Winner for Best Corporate in Investor Relations (Small Cap) by the prestigious Extel surveys. The award was presented at the inaugural Investor Relations Society of South Africa (IRSSA) Awards at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, recognising Telkom’s superior transparency and strategic engagement with the investment community. The victory is significant, as Telkom was judged against other respected South African corporates, including Pick n Pay, Spar, AVI, and African Rainbow Minerals. The Extel Awards are a global benchmark for IR excellence, evaluating companies on rigorous criteria such as financial disclosure, ESG engagement, and…

Axiz has entered into a distribution agreement with Object First, the company behind the Ootbi (Out-of-the-Box Immutability) appliance, and founded by Veeam founders Ratmir Timashev and Andrei Baronov. The partnership will provide African organisations with enhanced data protection for Veeam backups. The agreement covers more than 25 countries across southern, eastern, and western Africa, including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia. Through this partnership, Veeam partners and customers in these regions can now procure Object First appliances via Axiz. Ootbi is designed to protect backup data against ransomware and other cyber threats. Its architecture prevents destructive…

The heart of eMalahleni is poised for a dramatic transformation with the announcement of Jumbo Mall, a 37,000m² retail development designed to be a modern community hub. Developed by New Africa Developments (NAD) with funding from Investec, the project, scheduled for a March 2026 opening, represents one of the most significant commercial investments in the Blesboklaagte area. It aims to bring a tech-forward, sustainable, and comprehensive shopping experience to a region ripe for growth. A Strategic Partnership for a Landmark Project This milestone project signals a deepened collaboration between NAD, a specialist retail developer, and financial powerhouse Investec. While the…

In a recent alert, Sharenet has issued a critical warning to investors: scammers are impersonating Sharenet staff on Telegram. These fraudsters are using fake names and profile images to promote fraudulent investment opportunities and offer unauthorized financial advice. How the Scam Works The impersonators create fake accounts on Telegram, posing as Sharenet employees. They may reach out to unsuspecting individuals, promising high-return investment opportunities or offering financial guidance. Their goal is to steal money, personal information, or sensitive investment details. Sharenet emphasizes that these scammers have no affiliation with the company, its products, or its employees. In their official statement,…

In the heart of South Africa’s townships, a quiet revolution is brewing. The nation’s tavern sector, worth an estimated R40 billion to R60 billion a year and comprising more than 34,000 licensed tavern owners, is finally going digital. For decades, these vital community hubs have operated on a basis of cash and manual record-keeping. But now, fintech solutions are sweeping in, transforming these cash-only businesses into digitally-enabled engines of growth. Bridging the Digital Divide The scale of the opportunity is massive.  “Taverns play a central role in township life, offering social hubs to the community and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs,” says…